Whether you are looking to get fit, learn how to protect yourself or just want a cool new hobby, martial arts in Malaysia are a great way to do it all. In Malaysia, martial arts are more than just sports, they are also part of our culture and daily lives. ✨
In this blog, you will have a closer look at 5 martial arts that Malaysians love in 2025. Let’s dive in!😎
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1. Silat

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Silat is a traditional Malay martial art that is deeply rooted in Malaysia heritage. It combines striking, joint manipulation, throws and even weapons into dance-like form. 🗡️
This martial art is not just physical but also promotes spiritual growth and mental discipline. The learners are often taught to incorporate breathing techniques, cultural rituals and traditional attire. You will often see Silat performed at cultural festivals, making it both an art and a national pride.🎇
📍Origin: Malaysia and Indonesia
❤️ Why Malaysians Love It:
It is a symbol of cultural identity and pride. Silat teaches discipline, self-respect and connection to tradition. Therefore, it is gaining attention among young Malaysians looking to rediscover their heritage.
🏆 Famous Silat Athletes in Malaysia:
- Al-Jufferi Jamari – Champion of 2012, 2015 and 2016 editions of the Putra E Class event (65-70kg)
- Rahmah Mohamed Nasir – Champion of 2012 Thailand Silat World Championships
- Muhammad Faizul Nasir – Champion of 2015 Singapore Sea Games (Below 55kg Class)
2. Taekwondo

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Taekwondo is a fast-paced martial art that is all about high kicks, spinning strikes and speed. It is one of the Olympic sports, so training can range from recreational to highly competitive.⚡
In this martial art, practitioners learn a mix of powerful kicks, punches, blocks and forms that are called “poomsae” which helps to develop focus, respect and confidence.🦶
📍Origin: South Korea
❤️ Why Malaysians Love It:
Many Malaysians are introduced to Taekwondo during school. It is commonly offered as a co-curricular activity because its structured and family-friendly format makes it ideal for all ages.
🏆 Famous Malaysian Taekwondo Athletes:
- Sara Yap Khim Wen – Champion of 2017 Southeast Asian Games for women’s individual poomsae
- Raffique Hashimi – Won more than 110 gold medals and positioned at No.8 in world ranking in Taekwondo (Poomsae) in 2021
- Muhammad Syafiq Zuber – Champion of 2022 SEA Games in the Men’s Kyorugi (80kg category)
3. Muay Thai

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Muay Thai is one of the most powerful and raw martial arts in the world. The training in Muay Thai focused on endurance, strength and cardiovascular fitness. It uses fists, elbows, knees and shins as striking tools, making it super effective for both self-defense and professional fighting.💪
📍Origin: Thailand.
❤️ Why Malaysians Love It:
Muay Thai’s popularity in Malaysia has exploded thanks to fitness influencers, local fight gyms and its reputation as an ultimate workout. It is perfect for people who want to burn calories, gain real fighting skills and build mental toughness.
🏆 Famous Malaysian Muay Thai Fighters:
- Mohd Ali Bin Yaakub – Champion of the 2017 SEA Games
- Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib – Champion of 2021 SEA Games under Muay Senior Male Elite (54kg Category)
- Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar – Champion of 2022 IFMA World Youth Muay Thai Championship (Under 60kg)
4. Wushu

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Wushu is a stunning Chinese martial art that blends beauty, athleticism and combat skill which focuses on flexibility, balance and body control. There are two main categories, which are Taolu (routines or forms) and Sanda (full-contact sparring).🌟
In Taolu, athletes perform choreographed movements that include flips, jumps, kicks, stances and weapon use like swords. In Sanda, fighters engage in full-contact bouts using punches, kicks and throws.🤼
📍Origin: China.
❤️ Why Malaysians Love It:
It is also part of tradition in Malaysia like Silat. Malaysians always appreciate its mix of elegance and strength and often introduced it to children at a young age to ensure this Chinese culture can last from generations to generations.
🏆 Famous Malaysian Wushu Athletes:
- Ho Mun Hua – Champion of 2017 SEA Games in men’s nanquan event
- Phoon Eyin – Champion of 2017 World Wushu Championships
- Tan Cheong Min – Two-time world champion in 2017 and 2019 World Wushu Championships in nandao event
5. Karate

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Karate is a striking-based martial art that combines strong, direct punches and kicks with defensive blocks and stances. It is often practiced through Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring).🥋
This martial art also emphasizes self-control and personal growth, which is why it’s often described as a “way of life” not just a sport.🧘
📍Origin: Okinawa, Japan.
❤️ Why Malaysians Love It:
Karate has been a part of Malaysia’s martial arts scene for decades. It is widely available in community centers and schools. Many parents enroll their kids to instill discipline and confidence.
🏆 Famous Malaysian Karate Athletes:
- Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan – Champion of 2014 Asian Games (Kumite under 61kg)
- Puvaneswaran Ramasamy – Champion of 2007 SEA Games (Kumite under 55kg)
- Lim Chee Wei – Champion of 2014 Asian Games (Individual Kata)
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Now you know the 5 popular martial arts in Malaysia, from heritage-rich Silat to the dynamic flips of Wushu, martial arts in Malaysia offer something for everyone. Whether you are in it for fitness, culture or competition, each martial art brings its own unique benefits. So if you’re looking for a new passion in 2025, why not give one of these martial arts a try? 🥊
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